Understanding Your Electricity Bill

Your French electricity bill breaks down into three layers: the fixed subscription tied to your subscribed power (kVA), the variable consumption charge per kWh, and several taxes including the excise duty, CTA, and VAT at two rates. Reading each line correctly in 2026 makes it easier to spot anomalies, decide whether off-peak hours suit your usage, and verify that your tariff option matches what you signed up for.

> **Key takeaways**

> - Three parts: subscription (fixed), consumption (variable), taxes and contributions.

> - Subscribed power (kVA) and tariff option (Base, HP/HC, Tempo) drive the subscription cost.

> - VAT is 5.5% on the subscription and CTA, 20% on consumption and excise duty.

> - The 14-digit PDL number on every bill uniquely identifies your meter point.

> - With a Linky meter, billing reflects actual consumption — no estimates.

The Structure of Your Electricity Bill

Your electricity bill may seem complex at first glance, but it breaks down into three main parts: energy supply, transmission (network taxes), and taxes and contributions. Understanding each element allows you to better manage your budget. For more on energy in France, explore our guides.

The Subscription

The subscription is the fixed part of your bill, independent of your consumption. Its amount depends on two main factors:

Subscribed Power: Expressed in kVA (kilovolt-amperes), it determines the maximum amount of electricity you can use simultaneously. The most common power levels for individuals are 6, 9, or 12 kVA.

Tariff Option: Base (single kWh price), Off-Peak/Peak Hours (two prices depending on time), or special options like Tempo (red, white, blue days).

Consumption

This is the variable part of your bill, calculated by multiplying the number of kWh consumed by the unit price per kWh.

Base Option: A single kWh price applies regardless of consumption time.

Off-Peak/Peak Hours Option: Two different prices apply. Off-peak hours (generally 8 hours per day, often at night) benefit from a reduced rate.

Taxes and Contributions

Several taxes are added to the electricity price:

**Electricity Excise Tax** (formerly TICFE/CSPE): Internal tax on final electricity consumption. It notably finances renewable energies and tariff equalization.

**CTA** (Transmission Tariff Contribution): It finances the pensions of electrical and gas industry agents.

VAT: Two rates apply - 5.5% on subscription and CTA, 20% on the rest.

Reading Indices and Estimates

Bill Based on Actual Reading

If your bill is based on a meter reading (by a technician or via Linky), it reflects your exact consumption for the period. The ending index minus the starting index gives your consumption in kWh.

Estimated Bill

In the absence of a reading, your consumption is estimated based on your history. An adjustment occurs at the next actual reading, which may result in a higher bill or a refund.

The Linky Meter

With the communicating Linky meter, indices are read automatically and remotely. Your bills are thus based on your actual consumption, without estimates or adjustments.

Additional Information

The PDL Number (Delivery Point)

This 14-digit number uniquely identifies your electricity meter. It is essential for any supplier change or move.

Power Reached

On Linky bills, you can see the maximum power reached during the period. If it regularly exceeds your subscribed power (without tripping the circuit breaker), you could optimize by adjusting your subscription.

Consumption History

Most bills include a graph comparing your current consumption to that of the previous year. It's a good indicator for detecting anomalies or measuring your savings efforts.

Verifying and Disputing Your Bill

Points of Vigilance

Check that the indices correspond to those on your meter
Compare the kWh price to that in your contract
Ensure the tariff option is correct
Check the billed power

In Case of Error

First contact your supplier's customer service. If the disagreement persists, you can contact the National Energy Mediator, a free and independent public service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three main components of a French electricity bill?

Every bill has the subscription (fixed monthly fee tied to your subscribed power in kVA), the consumption charge (kWh used multiplied by the per-kWh price), and taxes including the excise duty on electricity, the CTA, and VAT. The CRE publishes the breakdown for the regulated tariff.

What is the PDL number and why does it matter?

The PDL (Point De Livraison) is a 14-digit code that uniquely identifies your electricity meter on the Enedis network. It appears on every bill and is required to open a contract or change supplier.

What is the difference between an estimated bill and an actual bill?

An estimated bill projects consumption from your history when no recent meter reading exists. An actual bill uses a real meter index — automatic with a Linky meter, manual or technician-read otherwise. Estimated bills are reconciled at the next actual reading.

What VAT rates apply to a French electricity bill in 2026?

Two rates: 5.5% applies to the subscription fee and the CTA contribution; 20% applies to consumption, the excise duty, and other variable charges. This split is set by the French tax code (CGI).

Who do I contact if I believe my bill is incorrect?

Start with your supplier's customer service in writing. If the issue is not resolved within two months, refer the case to the Médiateur national de l'énergie — the free, independent national energy mediator.

Sources and references

This article is informational and may be subject to regulatory updates. Tax and contribution amounts change regularly — verify current figures on cre.fr and energie-info.fr.